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Does your mood swing in a matter of seconds? Can’t remember where you left your keys or the file your boss repeatedly reminded you to bring? Too tired to get out of bed sometimes?
If these are a few scenarios you face daily, then you may have a serious problem at hand. And, while this could be from a plethora of underlying health issues—you can also blame this on your hormones. More specifically your male sex hormone, testosterone.
Testosterone is a powerful androgen that helps you regulate a wide range of processes in your body. These include bone density, hair growth, muscle mass, energy levels, and reproductive health.
But what happens if there’s an imbalance in the levels of this masculine androgen?
Low testosterone results from an imbalance in your testosterone and can lead to various unwanted health conditions.
But what causes this? Is it dangerous to leave low testosterone untreated? Let’s delve deeper into low testosterone, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
What Is Low Testosterone?
Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, is a health condition marked by alarmingly low testosterone levels in one’s body.
The lowest threshold for normal testosterone levels is 300 ng/dL, and anything lower is categorized as low testosterone.
Low T can be due to an insufficient level of testosterone in your body or the inability to produce testosterone, also known as hypogonadism. It may also be caused as a result of aging.
Low T results in a bevy of side effects which may turn life-threatening when left untreated.
If you have low T, there is no need to panic, as it is treatable. Consider speaking to a local Low Testosterone doctor for sound advice on restoring your testosterone levels.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Testosterone controls many processes in your body. And a change in testosterone levels shows its impact on these processes as well.
Some common ways low testosterone manifests itself in your body include:
- Low sex drive or decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced muscle mass
- Increased body fat deposition near your abdomen
- Mood changes including depression and irritability
- Insomnia or sleep issues
- Fatigue and reduced energy levels
While these symptoms may not look immediately fatal, when left untreated, they can lead to cardiovascular health issues, obesity, and even a heart attack.
Therefore, it’s imperative to contact a Low T physician for treatment solutions best suited to you.
How Is Low Testosterone Diagnosed?
Doctors typically diagnose low T by conducting a blood test that measures free serum testosterone in the body.
These blood tests are done in the morning when the level of testosterone in your body is at the peak. The doctor may also advise you not to eat or drink 12 hours leading up to the test.
The normal range of testosterone is, as mentioned earlier, around 300 ng/dL-950 ng/dL. A measurement lower than 300 ng/dL is enough to diagnose low testosterone.
However, a single measurement does not always return an accurate value, as the level of testosterone fluctuates throughout the day.
As a result, your healthcare professional may recommend repeating the tests on another day for confirmation.
In addition, testosterone deficiency is similar to other medical conditions that can affect your testosterone levels, making it important to provide accurate data to rule out other possible causes.
Natural Ways to Boost Your Testosterone Levels
To break away from low T, raising your testosterone levels is mandatory. And it is not as difficult as you may think.
Here are a few ways to raise your testosterone and sperm production.
1. Exercise and Eat Well
Exercising and eating a well-balanced diet is a sure way to raise your testosterone levels.
Exercising, mainly high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can result in an increase of 17% in free testosterone level in your body, according to a study.
Another 2021 study also shows that exercise training generates a better outcome than testosterone therapy for increasing aerobic capacity and decreasing fat in your body.
Similarly, what we eat can define our body. Studies show that low-fat diets are more riskier as they lead to low testosterone in your body.
Eating a diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can bring testosterone levels at normal ranges.
2. Steer Clear of Detrimental Behaviors
Smoking and drinking may be calming and fun, but don’t be fooled: they can lead to lasting impact on various fronts, including your sex life.
Much evidence suggests that excessive drinking or smoking can lead to low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, and a plethora of other sexual dysfunctions..
3. Sleep and Lower Your Stress Levels
Not sleepy? Want to complete your TV binging session before some shut-eye?
Do not do this, as your sleep pattern can also affect your hormones. Adequate sleep is necessary for maintaining your testosterone levels, and your sex drive.
Additionally, the more you are stressed out, the more your hormones go crazy. So avoid stress in your life and practice yoga or other meditative therapies to manage stress.
Treatments for Low Testosterone
While maintaining a healthy testosterone level naturally is the best choice, sometimes treatment may be required to provide that additional boost you require.
And treatment for low T typically involves Testosterone Replacement Therapy or TRT. It involves the absorption of testosterone via multiple transdermal channels such as:
- Topical gels
- Patches
- Injections
- Pellets
- Mouth patches
The various forms release testosterone through your skin into your bloodstream, effectively raising the level of testosterone in your body.
That said, testosterone therapy is not without risks. Some of the side effects of TRT include acne, breast enlargement, and a decrease in sperm count.
Other treatments that can help raise your testosterone include clomiphene citrate and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which help stimulate testosterone production in your body.
As such, these treatments are not for everyone. Speak to your physician to opt for the best-suited treatment plan for you.
Jacksonville’s Leading Male Health Clinic Can Help Men Regain Sexual Vitality Long Term
Low T can be a major hurdle in your sexual, physical and mental state. And unfortunately, it’s a widespread disease that already persists in many men over the age of 30.
Fortunately, low T can be treated by combining clinical treatment and natural ways of raising testosterone.
But, as many would say, prevention is always better than cure. Adopt proper lifestyle changes like eating well and sleeping at least 7 hours a day to combat male hypogonadism before its effects start ravaging your body.
Need further assistance? If you’re having issues with erectile dysfunction (ED) or low testosterone (Low T), call Jacksonville male clinic Prime Men’s Medical Center now to schedule an appointment to have a consultation with their experienced and specially trained medical staff. We are one of Florida’s leading men’s clinics providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Low Testosterone therapy, RestoreWave therapy, hormone therapy, and much more.
